LifeLine: Experience the Power of PrayerSample

This is the Starting Point of Prayer

Powerful, mountain-moving prayer progresses and moves from the inside out! It starts with Upward Prayer—communion with God. You see, the seedbed of prayer is a relationship with God. When an individual receives Christ, they are forgiven of their sins, they come into a relationship with God, and the communication channel is opened. Prayer then is simply defined as communicating with God. It’s here in this first category of Upward Prayer where we commune with and build a dynamic relationship with Him. It’s here we say, “I delight in You, O God.”

Upward Prayer is all about making prayer a priority in order to participate in a relationship with God. While prayer often begins with discipline, it moves to delight as we consistently seek Jesus. This discipline may start with, “I gotta say my prayers,” but shortly thereafter you feel the delight.

As you slow down, draw near, and look to the Lord, you’ll experience communion and connection. First and foremost, prayer is fellowship and intimacy with God—it’s love and enjoyment. By beginning with Upward Prayer, we build a healthy, dynamic relationship with God. Developing intimacy with God is essential for you and your life journey. It’s spending time with God, not first for what He can do for you, but for Who He is and what He means to you. Vibrant prayer starts with a personal and close relationship with Almighty God. It’s built on the expectation and belief that God can—and will—listen to you.

Common types of upward prayer include prayers of adoration and worship and prayers of thanksgiving. Practically, this is where we have personal times of worship and simply thank God for who He is. This is how I begin my prayer time every morning—worshiping and thanking God. I’m not asking for things or asking him to change my heart, I’m merely focusing on Him.

Friend, if prayer has been difficult for you in the past, be encouraged today—God desires to have a deep and personal relationship with you. I believe that as you seek God through Upward Prayer, you will experience new depths of His love, His presence, and His grace.

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.